Program Overview
The English major at the University of Kansas offers students the opportunity to explore literature, creative writing, rhetoric, language, and cultural studies while developing advanced communication and critical thinking skills. Whether you are passionate about storytelling, analyzing literary works, studying language in social contexts, or strengthening your writing abilities, a degree in English provides a strong intellectual foundation for a wide range of professions and graduate study.
At KU, students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in English may choose from multiple degree paths and concentrations designed to align with their academic and professional interests. Through engaging classes, research opportunities, internships, and hands-on creative experiences, KU’s English major prepares students for dynamic and adaptable career paths.
Students may choose from the following options:
- English: A traditional liberal arts pathway emphasizing literature, critical analysis, and historical breadth.
- Creative Writing: Focuses on fiction, poetry, and other creative genres through workshop-based learning and craft development.
- Language, Culture, and Rhetoric: Examines rhetoric, writing studies, linguistics, and the cultural dimensions of language.
These options allow students to tailor their experience while completing a rigorous and versatile major in English grounded in research, interpretation, and writing.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
English, BA/BGSKU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The Bachelor’s in English is part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, home to a collaborative and creative community making the world better through inquiry and research.Bachelor’s in English Learning Outcomes
Graduates earning a bachelor’s degree in English from KU will be able to:
- Critically analyze texts from multiple genres, media, and historical periods using appropriate theoretical and methodological approaches.
- Interpret literature and rhetoric within cultural, historical, and global contexts.
- Conduct independent research, evaluate scholarly sources, and construct evidence-based arguments.
- Produce clear, persuasive, and stylistically effective writing for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrate proficiency in creative, analytical, and research-based writing.
- Apply interpretive and rhetorical skills to contemporary issues and professional environments.
What Careers are Possible with a Bachelor’s in English?
A bachelor’s degree in English prepares students for diverse professional pathways that require strong communication and analytical skills. Data from Lightcast shows that graduates with an English major find opportunities in:
- Publishing and Editing – Writers, editors, and content strategists
- Education – Teachers, tutors, and academic advisors
- Media and Communications – Journalists, public relations specialists, and digital marketers
- Law and Business – Legal researchers, analysts, and consultants
Many English major jobs emphasize writing, research, and strategic communication. Reported English major salary ranges vary by industry and experience level, with competitive earnings in communications, business, education, and legal services.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers a range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid options to support students pursuing a major in English. Learn more about tuition rates and available funding opportunities at KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
All students interested in the English major must meet the standard University of Kansas admission requirements for incoming freshman and transfer students. This includes:
Freshman
- 3.25 high school GPA OR 2.0 GPA and 21+ ACT
Transfer
- Assured admission with 24+ transferrable credit hours with a 2.5+ GPA from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experiences
The English major provides extensive opportunities for engagement beyond the classroom, including undergraduate research, creative writing workshops, literary publications, study abroad programs, and internships.
These experiences strengthen preparation for long-term English major careers.
Bachelor’s in English Sample Courses
As part of the bachelor’s degree in English, students complete coursework in literature, rhetoric, writing, and language studies. Sample courses include:
- The Development of Modern English
- Language and Social Justice in the US
- Postcolonial and World Englishes
- Fiction Writing
- Foundations of Technical Writing
Course selection varies by degree path and concentration within the English major. For a full list of required courses and electives, visit the KU Academic Catalog.
Bachelor’s in English Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
Applications are open and accepted on a rolling basis.
How long will it take to complete the degree?
Students typically complete this degree in four years.
Why choose an English major?
An English major develops skills that are highly valued across industries and graduate programs. Students learn to interpret complex texts, craft persuasive arguments, and communicate clearly across audiences and platforms. Through this degree in English, students:
- Develop advanced reading, writing, and analytical skills.
- Engage with diverse literary traditions across historical periods and global contexts.
- Study rhetoric, language, and cultural production in social and political settings.
- Produce original creative and scholarly work.
- Prepare for adaptable English major careers in publishing, education, law, nonprofit leadership, business, media, and beyond.
- Gain hands-on experience through research projects, internships, study abroad, and literary publications.
- Learn from award-winning faculty who are active scholars, writers, and teachers.
The English major degree fosters intellectual curiosity while building transferable skills in research, communication, and critical reasoning.